The Atlantis Bahamas resort has temporarily closed its shark tank after a child was attacked by a shark. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the excursion and how the resort operates its shark tank.
Video clips obtained by TMZ show guests heading down into one of the resort’s tanks just two days before the attack. The guests are seen wearing big white helmets while staff members are in traditional scuba suits. The number of guests is significantly higher than the number of employees present.
The video also shows how close the guests are getting to the sharks, providing an up-close and personal experience. The tank is said to house about 15-20 sharks, with the largest measuring up to eight feet. Three chaperones assist the guests as they walk around the tank for about 20 minutes before returning to the water park.
The safety of this setup is uncertain, as it is not known if this is the same arrangement that was in place at the time of the attack. It is evident, however, that tourists were getting very close to massive sharks.
The incident at the Atlantis Bahamas resort is reminiscent of a previous shark attack in Australia. A man filmed the aftermath of a shark attack that claimed his leg. These incidents highlight the potential dangers of interacting with sharks in a close proximity.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that the 10-year-old boy, who was on vacation from Maryland, was bitten on the right leg. He was promptly taken to the hospital and is in stable condition. Atlantis immediately shut down their tanks following the incident.
The resort has not yet provided any comment on the incident. It remains to be seen what measures they will take to ensure the safety of their guests in the future. The temporary closure of the shark tank serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in interacting with marine animals, even in controlled environments.
